Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a delicious seafood dish celebrated for their juicy flavor and tender texture. You make them by marinating fresh shrimp in a Mediterranean inspired sauce and then threading them onto skewers with your choice of vegetables.
What You’ll Find On This Page
These skewers are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for summer BBQs, family dinners, or as a special treat. You can serve them with rice, roasted vegetables, or salads, offering flexibility as either a main course or an appetizer.
What exactly are Shrimp Skewers? They’re simply shrimp and vegetables skewered together and grilled until perfectly done. Known as kabobs in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cuisines, they usually call them skewers in the USA. I'll use both terms interchangeably throughout this post.
I’ll show you how to grill these skewers on a stovetop grill pan, so you can enjoy them anytime indoors. I’ll also share tips for cooking them outdoors or in the oven. These skewers pair well with any shrimp marinade—sweet, sour, spicy, or a mix, enhancing their flavor. Let’s get grilling!
Discover a Variety of Shrimp Recipes:
- Sauteed Shrimp
- Shrimp Stir Fry
- Shrimp Scampi
- Fried Shrimp
- Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Kung Pao Shrimp
- Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Shrimp Salad
- Shrimp Ceviche
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For these Grilled Shrimp Skewers, you'll need quality shrimp, a few Mediterranean pantry essentials, and some fresh produce. Let's explore what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: I opt for fresh jumbo shrimp that are already deveined, and shelled (except for the tails), which saves time. You can use frozen shrimp too; just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight. If your shrimp aren't pre-cleaned, check out the tips section below for guidance on cleaning them.
- Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic brings a warm, aromatic touch. If fresh garlic isn't available, garlic powder works as a quick substitute.
- Lemon Juice: This adds a fresh, citrusy kick to the marinade. For an extra zing, consider adding some lemon zest.
- Seasonings: Simple seasonings like paprika, black pepper, and salt enhance the shrimp's flavor. If you like it hot, swap the paprika for chili powder.
- Dried Herbs: I've used oregano for a bold Mediterranean flavor, but you can also include rosemary and thyme for more depth and complexity.
- Veggies: While shrimp alone is great, I’ve added bell peppers for extra color and taste. Feel free to customize with other favorites like zucchini, onions, or even fruits like pineapple for a sweet twist.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of classic olive oil gives a herbal, nutty flavor to the dish. For a lighter taste, mild olive oil is also a good choice.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Let's gather the ingredients and make these shrimp kabobs! I'll show you how to marinate the shrimp, thread them with bell peppers onto skewers, and grill them perfectly on the stovetop. Each step comes with photos and a video to easily follow along.
Explore More Skewers and Kabobs Recipes:
Grilled Shrimp Skewers (Kabobs)
Ingredients
For Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- 1.5 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tsp Paprika, or chili powder for more heat
- 5 cloves Garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Oregano
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, bite-size pieces, optional
- 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper, bite-size pieces, optional
- Salt, to taste
For Grilling
- 3 tbsp Oil, to drizzle on the grill pan
For Garnishing
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
Marinating Shrimp
- Start by adding the cleaned and deveined shrimp into a bowl. Add all the seasonings listed in the ingredients section for the grilled shrimp skewers (except for the bell peppers). Mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula, making sure each shrimp piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Next, slice the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Gently mix them with the seasoned shrimp. While I've used bell peppers, feel free to add onions, pineapples, or your favorite veggies to introduce more vibrant flavors to your skewers. Cover the bowl with a lid and let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Making Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- After the marinating time, thread the shrimp and bell peppers onto wooden or metal skewers. Aim for 3-4 shrimp on each skewer, alternating with pieces of bell pepper. Leave a bit of space between each piece to ensure good air circulation, which helps the shrimp cook evenly on the grill.
- Preheat your grill pan over medium heat and lightly coat it with oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking. Once the pan is hot, place the skewers on it, making sure they aren't overcrowded. This will help achieve a nice grilled texture.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Watch out for the shrimp curling up tightly; this is a sign they might be overcooked, which can make them rubbery instead of juicy and succulent. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Your delicious shrimp kabobs are now ready to be served!
Serving
- Enjoy these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with rice dishes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dips. They pair perfectly with a variety of sides, adding vibrant flavors to your meal. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our Serving Suggestions below.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Preparation Tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best-flavored skewers, always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients. Ensure your shrimp don't have a fishy smell or a strong ammonia-like odor, as this can really affect the overall taste of your dish.
- Marinating Time: Unlike other meats, shrimp don’t need long to marinate. A quick 15-30 minutes is enough to infuse them with flavor. Marinating for too long can cause the shrimp to 'cook' in the marinade, which might alter their texture.
- Soak the Skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This simple trick helps prevent them from burning and ensures they look great on the grill.
- Thread Carefully: Take your time when threading shrimp and veggies onto skewers to stay safe. Keep your fingers away from the sharp end to avoid any mishaps.
- Cleaning Shrimp: Even though I often buy pre-cleaned shrimp from my local Safeway, here's how you can clean whole shrimp if they aren't already prepared. Start by holding the shrimp by the head and peeling off the shell. Make a shallow cut along the back to remove the dark vein (intestine). Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clear any leftover bits, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step makes sure your shrimp are ready for marinating!
Cooking Tips:
- Avoid Splattering: To keep your grilling area clean, make sure the shrimp aren't dripping with excess marinade. Pat the skewers dry with a paper towel. If you're grilling on the stovetop, consider using a splatter guard to keep your workspace tidy while allowing for proper airflow and heat distribution.
- Check Doneness: It's crucial to ensure your shrimp are cooked safely. Shrimp generally turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. However, for added safety, it's a good practice to check their internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer to ensure it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by the FDA.
- Cover with Aluminum Foil: If you're grilling multiple batches on a pan like I often do, cover the already grilled skewers with aluminum foil while you work on the rest. This keeps the shrimp moist and prevents them from drying out.
- Grilling Outdoors: Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Broiling in the Oven: For broiling, set your oven to broil and preheat for at least 5 minutes. Place the skewers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to promote good air circulation. Broil the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and continue for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking to expand your meal routine with delicious recipes? Explore our collection of Mediterranean foods, seafood, and fish recipes, including salmon and vegetable side dishes. Each recipe offers unique flavors, perfect for seafood lovers and anyone seeking a taste of world cuisine right at home!
Serving Suggestions
These Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of sides. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, they elevate any meal. Here are some of my top pairing ideas:
- Starches and Grains: Keep it simple and satisfying by pairing the shrimp skewers with different rice varieties like pilaf, yellow, white, basmati, or brown rice. For a healthier option, consider grains like black rice, farro, quinoa or couscous.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement your shrimp kabobs with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, especially if you haven't included veggies on the skewers. This addition ensures a balanced and healthy meal.
- Salads: Add a refreshing touch with simple green salads, broccoli salads, potato salad, or Greek salads.
- Boiled Corn: Corn on the cob boiled with butter and herbs makes a delicious and visually appealing side, perfect for complementing outdoor meals and BBQs.
- Pasta Dishes: For a more substantial meal, opt for hearty pasta dishes like creamy white sauce pasta, Parmesan pasta, or Alfredo pasta.
- Sauces and Dips: Enhance the flavors with a selection of dips such as mayonnaise, sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, rémoulade, tartar sauce, or garlic aioli, especially if the skewers are served as appetizers.
Storage Suggestions
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, juicy, and full of flavor. If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. It's a good idea to remove the shrimp and veggies from the skewers before storing them. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave and enjoy right away.
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